CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning: New Directions in the Recruitment & Retention of Latino Students in the Midwest Christians on Diversity in the Academy Conference Pomona, CA – April 23, 2008 Robert Reyes, Ph.D., CFLE, Odelet Nance, Ph.D.

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Context: Education Demographics – Elkhart Co.

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Context: Graduation Rates – Elkhart Co.

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Context: Educational Attainment in Elkhart Co.

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Educational Attainment in Elkhart County Goshen Community Schools Comparison Statistics GCS percentIndiana percent ISTEP Pct Pass Both Engl and Math ISTEP Pct Pass English/LA ISTEP Pct Pass Math Graduation Rate Adults w/ Less Than High Sch Ed, Pct (Census 2000) Students on free lunch/textbook ( ) 5240 Minority Students, Pct Limited English, Pct

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Educational Attainment in Elkhart County Elkhart Community Schools Comparison Statistics ECS percentIndiana percent ISTEP Pct Pass Both Engl and Math ISTEP Pct Pass English/LA ISTEP Pct Pass Math Graduation Rate Adults w/ Less Than High Sch Ed, Pct (Census 2000) Students on free lunch/textbook ( ) 5940 Minority Students, Pct Limited English, Pct

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning What is CITL? As an academic center CITL will focus in studying and disseminating findings on the nature and/or process of intercultural teaching and learning as it relates to the Latino community in the Midwest. CITL will also collaborate with other offices on campus to provide student support services in order to identify “best practices” that could be utilized for the effective recruitment and retention of Latino students. The ultimate objective of this initiative is to develop intercultural models of education that bridge both the curricular and co-curricular areas of the institution in order to enhance the educational experience of all students at Goshen College.

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Goals of the Program To investigate the dynamics behind the changing ethnic composition of a rural Midwest community and its implications for higher education, studying the nature and/or process of intercultural teaching and learning To make a Goshen College education accessible to Latino students. To create an intercultural learning community for all Goshen College students that equips them with the communication, understanding and collaboration skills needed in the 21st century.

Educational Access ResearchTransformed Learning Community

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Research GOAL: To investigate the social, economic and familial factors behind the changing ethnic composition in a rural Midwest community and its implications for higher education. Examples of Activities:  Conduct an interdisciplinary community study that investigates changes in a rural Midwest community that result from an influx of Latino immigrants.  Investigate the higher education experience of the Latino cohorts at Goshen College to inform ongoing campus initiatives as well as the broader academic community.  Study the intercultural education transformation process on campus for both students and faculty.  Develop research partnerships with other institutions and disseminate findings through campus seminars, consultations, national conferences and community agencies.

Understanding the Context: Demography, Immigration Patterns, Social Networks, Cultural Resources Higher Education Experience of CITL Students: Identity Development, Social Adjustment, Academic Support Curriculum Innovation and Faculty Development: Content Review, Teaching Methods, Cultural Competency Community Engagement: Action Research and Schools (i.e., Modes of Learning, Teaching Strategies, Student Support Programs) CITL FOCUS: Study the Nature and/or Process of Intercultural Teaching and/or Learning

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Theoretical Framework- Principles for Community Partnerships - Developing Meaningful and Reciprocal Partnerships Existing Dangers in Pursuing Social Change (Nouwen, Creative Ministry) –Danger of Concretism –Danger of Power –Danger of Pride Principles for Social Response (Nouwen, Creative Ministry) –Incorporating a Perspective of Hope –Incorporating a Perspective of Creative Receptivity –Incorporating a Perspective of Shared Responsibility Goal – Developing Appropriate Conditions –“Nobody can force the soul of a community. The only possibility open is to create conditions in which the community can freely develop and discover the ways that lead to redemption” [i.e., transformation]. (Nouwen, Creative Ministry, p.73)

Educational Access and Retention of Students ResearchTransformed Learning Community

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Theoretical Framework: Educational Access Create an Educational Pipeline (Taylor, 1985) Outreach Recruitment Retention Graduation

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Educational Access GOAL: To make Goshen College education accessible to Latino students. Examples of Activities:  Recruit Latino students by developing on-going relationships with parents, schools, churches, businesses and community organizations.  Develop pre-college bridge programming for admitted students to aid Latino students in the transition to Goshen College academic life.  Increase available financial resources for Latino students to attend Goshen College.  Use the arts (visual, music and theater) as a means to connect Goshen College with the Latino community

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Educational Access: Programs Outreach –Peace of the Arts –Hispanic Day –Partnerships with Local Pre-College Programs Recruitment –College 101 Sessions –High School, Church, and College Visits

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Educational Access: Programs Retention: CITL Leadership Program Orientation Course 2-3 week summer course Peer/Faculty Mentoring Supplemental Instruction Program Study Tables Academic Workshops Graduation –Alumni Scholar Forum

Educational Access ResearchTransformed Learning Community

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Curriculum Innovation & Intercultural Campus Transformation GOAL: To create an intercultural learning community for all Goshen College students that prepares them for the communication, understanding and collaboration needed in the 21 st century. Examples of Activities:  Design and implement a new first-year experience for all students and special programming for the Latino student cohort, including a residence hall learning community.  Foster curriculum and pedagogy initiatives across the curriculum, with special focus on expanding intercultural learning opportunities.  Improve student support services to support an intercultural learning environment.  Enhance the TESOL program, possibly launching a master’s degree program for teachers in TESOL/transcultural education, offered in an alternative format.  Provide faculty development opportunities in cross-cultural communication, pedagogy, curriculum development, and Spanish language learning.

CITL Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning Faculty Involvement Opportunities Research Grants –Fellowships –Collaboration Projects Curriculum Innovation Grants –Faculty Learning Community Projects –Departmental Grants –Leadership Grants Faculty Development Grants –Summer Language or Intercultural Study Recruitment & Student Development Initiatives –Bridge Program Initiative –Mentoring & Support for Students –Departmental Recruiting Efforts